Denim Day

Denim Day is Wednesday, April 24th! What is Denim Day?

The Denim Day story began in Italy in 1992, when an 18-year old woman was raped by her 45-year old driving instructor who was taking her to her very first driving lesson. He took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car, removed her jeans and forcefully raped her. She reported the rape and the perpetrator was arrested, prosecuted and convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming that they had consensual sex. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction, and the perpetrator was released. A statement from the Court argued that because the victim was wearing very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was not rape but consensual sex. Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. Denim Day was born.  

Denim Day continues the discussion to dispel myths about sexual assault and consent, support survivors, and fight to hold people accountable for these types of crimes. With supervisor approval, denim is authorized wear for civilians and uniformed service members on Wednesday, April 24th. We also welcome all to join us at our SAAPM 5K at 1500 that day at the Gowen Recreation Complex- wearing denim to run would be highly impressive but is not required. T-shirts will be available for 5K participants while supplies last.